Excavate: Collegiate Archaeology Training Expedition

Week Long Collegiate Archaeological Training

This is a week-long, hands-on educational experience in which you will work side-by-side with professional archaeologists on actual archaeological research sites on the Montpelier property!

For the Collegiate Archaeology program (August 18-23) we are offering a Collegiate Archaeology Training Expedition to introduce students to emerging concepts in historical and community-based archaeology. The first three days of the Expedition from August 14-16 will be asynchronous and will involve readings and recorded lectures The purpose of these asynchronous days will be to introduce students to Montpelier, the Montpelier Burial Ground of the Enslaved Project, anti-racist archaeology and the basics of artifact identification. The second week from August 18-23 will be conducted in person at Montpelier and will involve extensive experience with excavation as well as exclusive tours to learn more about how archaeology has been utilized to understand the complex Montpelier landscape.

Learn the techniques and processes of archaeology while contributing to the discovery and preservation of history. In addition to the field experience, you will spend a day performing archaeological labwork, where you will be introduced to the post-excavation analysis of archaeological materials excavated from dig sites on the property!

Although this Expedition program cannot serve in lieu of a field school, it will provide excellent experience in performing actual field archaeology and lab work at a nationally renowned site actively engaged in community-based archaeology with a descendant community. It will also provide students with the opportunity to interact with field and lab archaeologists and to explore ideas about careers in archaeology, history or museum studies.

During the 2025 Expedition season, we will be working at Walnut Hollow, a site near the famed Temple where metal detector surveys located several structures believed to be homes for enslaved families,that date from the late 18th into the early 19th century.. This season we will be excavating several home sites of enslaved families as well as the 18th-century blacksmith shop located adjacent to the Temple.  

Come join us in utilizing archaeology to explore the concepts of Liberty and Legacy at one of America’s most significant historic sites: James Madison’s Montpelier. Search for clues from the past, excavating side by side with Montpelier’s archaeologists, as we conduct excavations in our efforts to memorialize and understand those who built Montpelier, and learn about the contributions of all those who called Montpelier home. Get behind-the-scenes specialty tours with Montpelier’s experts, and be among the first to conduct lab analysis at the Archaeology Department’s new lab facility Community Archaeology Lab at Montpelier (CALM).  

Week Long Excavations

The Archaeology Excavation Expedition is one of Montpelier’s most popular participatory programs. This is a week-long, hands-on educational experience in which you will work side-by-side with professional archaeologists and fellow expeditioners performing excavation and survey of archaeological research sites on the Montpelier property! You will learn the techniques and processes of archaeology while contributing to the discovery and preservation of history. In addition to the field experience, you will spend a day with the Archaeology Lab, where you will be introduced to the post-excavation analysis of archaeological materials excavated from dig sites on the property!

Sample Schedule (Subject to Modification)

Costs and Deposit

Cost: $950.00 for the week

Deposit: $300.00

We have payment options– a non-refundable deposit is all you need to reserve your space on one of our programs!

Note: Descendants and African-American community members are welcome to attend at no cost

If you have any questions, please email: Dig@montpelier.org